In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, has issued a compelling call to action: teenagers must embrace artificial intelligence (AI) to stay relevant in the workforce. Speaking on the New York Times’ Hard Fork podcast, Hassabis emphasized that AI will significantly disrupt jobs within the next five years, urging young individuals to become proficient in coding and scientific disciplines.
“Over the next 5 to 10 years, I think we’re going to find what normally happens with big new technology shifts, which is that some jobs get disrupted. But new, more valuable, usually more interesting jobs get created,” Hassabis stated.
He highlighted that while AI tools can enhance human capabilities to near “superhuman” levels, understanding the fundamentals of math and programming remains crucial. “I think whatever happens with these AI tools, you’ll be better off understanding how they work and how they function and what you can do with them,” he added.
The AGI Debate: Hassabis vs. Brin
A notable divergence has emerged between Hassabis and Sergey Brin, co-founder of Alphabet, DeepMind’s parent company, regarding the timeline for achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). While Brin anticipates AGI’s arrival before 2030, Hassabis maintains a more conservative estimate, projecting its emergence shortly after 2030. He explained, “We thought it was roughly a 20-year mission, and amazingly, we’re on track. It’s somewhere around there, I would think.”
Hassabis emphasized his high standards for AGI, asserting that it should match the human brain’s capabilities in all aspects, a benchmark he believes is still a few years away.
Preparing for an AI-Driven Future
Hassabis’s message is clear: as AI continues to evolve, individuals, especially the younger generation, must proactively acquire relevant skills to remain competitive. By embracing education in coding and science, they can position themselves to thrive in an AI-augmented world.
